Thank you, David Price

With David Price, Rays fans wonder if they would have made it to the postseason in 2014.

The Rays started off the second half of the season with a bang. Charisma and a drive to win seems to be making its way through the lineup as they make an effort to climb out of last place and find a cozy position in their division all in hopes of making it to the postseason. A nine-game winning streak, 11 wins out of their last 13 wins – the Rays have been red hot.

But, a move made by the Rays on July 31 may prove detrimental. We said goodbye to David Price as he made his way to Detroit. While it’s clear Rays fans aren’t happy about the move, we can only wonder if David Price is as broken up about it as much as we are.

He gave up five runs the night prior, leading to a loss – was his poor game a result of these trade rumors? It could be. But, he’s looking on the bright side.

Here’s what he posted on Twitter: wow … what a day!! Rays fans THANK YOU!! Great Chapter of my life just ended…ready to start a new one with the Tigers!! Thanks again.

As committed baseball fans, I think we forget that baseball is an industry. Players get traded, it’s all part of the game. Of course, large-market teams get first dibs – and small-market teams end up losing some of their best players – and the Rays have been victim of the system for years.

However, we can’t help but wonder if this big trade could have been avoided. We had a run and the last two months of the season could have pushed us to the forefront. Can we still make it without David Price?

The Tigers now house the last three Cy Young Award winners and the past three years of MVP winnners – I think they’re in the process of building a championship team.

Is it time to throw in the towel on the Rays season? Are we planning on losing it to Detroit right now? I hope not. Throw on your David Price jersey and continue to go to Rays games. Cheer on Chris Archer. He’ll have to take us to the postseason. We’re welcoming Nick Franklin, Drew Smyly and Willy Adames with high expectations.

In the meantime, the Rays still have a chance. Detroit is just a little more threatening.

I am a student at the University of South Florida in pursuit of my bachelors degree in Mass Communications. I am scheduled to graduate in December of 2014 and hope to pursue a career in the sports industry. Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, the only plausible thing to become was a Rays fan - so, here we are. I think Todd Kalas is "the man" and wouldn't mind being friends with him, or even having his job.
I spend most of my time at church, doing what I love most.